PM opens Hajj program today

Staff reporterPrime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate this year’s Hajj program for Bangladeshi pilgrims today.The Prime Minister will open the Hajj programme-2014 at the Hajj Camp at the capital’s Ashkona at 5pm, Hajj officer Mizanur Rahman told.After inaugurating the Hajj program, Prime Minister will exchange greetings with the pilgrims who have already started reporting to the camp ahead of the first Hajj flight beginning on Wednesday, he said.The Hajj official said three flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd will carry about 1,157 Bangladeshi pilgrims on the first day which will start at about 7:05 am.The national flag carrier will carry 50 percent Hajj pilgrims while Saudi Airlines the remaining 50 percent in several phases.A total of 97,257 Hajj pilgrims out of 98,757 will perform Hajj under private management while the rest 1,500 under government management.This year, the Hajj flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines will continue till September 28. The return Hajj flights of the national flag carrier will begin on October 8 and continue till November 8.Besides, the Hajj flights of Saudi Airlines will begin on September 1 and continue till September 30 while the return flights on October 9 and end on November 17.